Darkness(n) = the partial or total absence of light.
Now the earth was formless and desolate,and there was darkness upon the surface of the watery deep.Genesis - 1: 2
What is light without dark? - Darkness
There's a storm coming. And we'd all best be ready when she does . - Hagrid
Many heroes are created or born into the fray where most of the darkness looms over them. A hero has the misfortune of becoming of two things within their very own course of their lives is either become the prey or be the prey.
Just like an innocent duck who strays from it's mother's protection becomes a prey of the very unknown dangers.
From high up on the trees looms over a very large Bald Eagle over seeing everything and trying to see what's there to eat. The predator been calm and still in it's form spots the lonely innocent duck straying from the path and ruffles it's feathers to take flight towards its prey.
Unknown to both creatures a snake slithers from it's hiding and moves inconspicuously to the yellow duckling. The duckling noticing the snake backs away to jump in fright for it to roll away from the reach of the bird to see the large bird display it's sharp talons and take flight with the snake.
Once more the small duck takes its journey to the path of it seemed to lead to it's mother. The young little duckling looming in the darker shade coming close into the clearing to see a big red fiery fox jaws covered red in the fox eating it's prey but a child witnessing the last breath of life from the very same creature give life to the small yellow duckling.
Innocence of a child can be corrupted by the darkness that takes hold of many different forms for the parent can never shield a child forever.